The bill springs from concerns that little information has been made public about plans for an east-west highway in Maine.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ A bill stemming from the proposed $2 billion east-west highway project across northern Maine, which has stirred a high level of interest in that region, is being reviewed by the Legislature's Transportation Committee.

Lawmakers on Friday are holding a hearing on a bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jeff McCabe of Skowhegan. McCabe, the assistant House majority leader, told the committee little information about east-west highway plans has so far been made public. He says informed public input depends on disclosure of written records, notes, memoranda and other materials about the project.

Among the bill's supporters is the American Civil Liberties Union's Maine chapter, which says Maine's Freedom of Access law makes an exception for public-private transportation projects, so no public disclosure is required.